KION Group :: Warehouse Automation & Supply Chain Solutions

KION Group is a leading global intralogistics provider headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany. Formed in 2006 through the spin-off of Linde Material Handling from Linde AG, KION has grown into one of the world’s largest manufacturers of industrial trucks (forklifts) and a major player in warehouse automation and supply chain solutions. The company operates through two main segments: Industrial Trucks & Services (brands including Linde, STILL, and Baoli) and Supply Chain Solutions (primarily through Dematic). KION serves customers in manufacturing, retail, logistics, and e-commerce, helping optimize material flow from production to delivery.

While KION is best known for traditional forklift trucks, it has heavily invested in robotics and automation to meet growing demand for intelligent warehouse solutions. The company offers a full spectrum of automated systems, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), and integrated software platforms. These solutions enable flexible, scalable automation with minimal infrastructure changes.

Key robot-based and automation products include:

• Dematic AGVs and AMRs: A comprehensive portfolio of autonomous vehicles for pallet transport, towing, and goods-to-person operations. These systems feature advanced navigation (laser, vision, and hybrid), real-time traffic management, and seamless integration with warehouse management systems (WMS).
• Automated Warehouse Systems: High-density automated storage solutions, robotic picking systems, and sortation technologies that combine mobile robots with fixed automation for high-throughput fulfillment centers.
• Partnerships and AI Integration: Strategic collaborations (e.g., with Quicktron for AMRs and NVIDIA/Accenture for Physical AI) enhance perception, decision-making, and fleet orchestration. Recent projects include large-scale automation implementations in Slovakia and AI-powered warehouse optimization.

KION’s robotics strategy focuses on hybrid human-robot environments, energy-efficient operation, and data-driven insights. The company continues to expand its automation offerings to support the transition toward smart, sustainable logistics.